Nonprofit Ukandu Opened The Loft in Portland

The new facility provides year-round support and free activities for families navigating childhood cancer treatment.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bright indoor recreational room with timber beams and large windows, creating a serene, inviting retreat space for families. — The nonprofit organization Ukandu has opened a new year-round facility in Portland, designed to provide families of children undergoing cancer treatment with a dedicated space for activities and support. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local non-profits prioritize establishing community resource centers for families of children undergoing medical treatment?

Nonprofit organization Ukandu has opened a year-round facility called The Loft in Portland to support families of children undergoing cancer treatment. Located at 3015 SW 1st Ave, the space provides a retreat between the city's two children's hospitals.

Why it matters

The facility offers families a necessary escape from the intense stress associated with ongoing hospital treatments. By providing dedicated activity spaces, the nonprofit aims to support the emotional well-being of both children and their parents during difficult periods.

The Loft operates at 3015 SW 1st Ave and offers programming five days a week. These services represent a transition from the organization's origin as a seasonal summer camp to a permanent, year-round support model.

The players

Ukandu

Ukandu is a nonprofit organization that has provided support and camp experiences for families of children with cancer since the 1980s.

The details

The facility features diverse amenities including an obstacle course, a two-story climbing wall, and a firepit for recreation. Additionally, the space contains an arts and crafts room, a multimedia room, and a quiet sanctuary specifically designed for adults.

Ukandu started as a summer camp in the 1980s.
The Loft officially opened in Portland on October 1, 2026.

Market Landscape

The opening of The Loft reflects a broader trend in the nonprofit sector toward providing consistent, year-round psychosocial support for pediatric oncology patients and their families. This expansion marks a strategic shift from traditional seasonal camp models to permanent, high-access community facilities.

Families navigating childhood cancer treatment can now access free recreational activities and support services five days a week at the new facility. The central location provides a convenient and accessible resource for those frequently commuting between Portland hospitals.

The takeaway

The creation of The Loft highlights the importance of providing stable, year-round support systems for families facing medical crises. Families in similar situations may consider researching local community-based resources to alleviate the stress of frequent hospital visits.